Rangers Thrash Warri Wolves 4-2 to Move Into Third Place in NPFL
Rangers International produced an exciting display to defeat Warri Wolves 4-2 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, on matchday 22 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), moving into third place on the table.
The Flying Antelopes made a dream start, taking the lead just 58 seconds into the game. Wisdom Ebirim’s long throw caused confusion in the Wolves defence, allowing Godwin Obaje to power a header past goalkeeper Joke Efevwera for his seventh league goal of the season.
Rangers kept up the pressure in the opening minutes. Captain Chidiebere Nwobodo impressed as he ran past the Wolves defence and found Anthony Chinemerem, who fired a curling effort narrowly wide. Shortly after, Ikechukwu Mgbemena tested Efevwera with a strike from outside the box, forcing a strong save and winning a corner.
From the resulting set-piece in the 11th minute, Obaje rose highest again to score his second goal of the afternoon, taking his tally to eight and moving clear as the NPFL 2025/2026 top scorer, ahead of Nasarawa United’s Anas Yusuf.
Warri Wolves slowly grew into the game, creating their first chance when Oriji Chisom’s curling shot was comfortably saved by Rangers goalkeeper Abine George. Justus Ohanu continued to be influential, and his 28th-minute corner found Ademola Adebambo, whose header went over the bar.
Rangers remained dangerous. Nwobodo skipped past several defenders but fired wide with his weaker foot. At the other end, George produced a fine save in the 35th minute after Ohanu poked goalwards from close range. Obaje missed a chance to complete a first-half hat-trick when Nwobodo delivered a teasing cross, but the striker could not convert from close range.
Chidozie Iwundu, who already has seven goals this season, won a free-kick on the edge of the box late in the first half, but his shot went over the bar.
Warri Wolves started the second half strongly. Shemayi Amatisiro forced George into a save, and Ohanu’s cross was spilled by the goalkeeper before Kenneth Igboke cleared the danger. The visitors were rewarded in the 56th minute when substitute Israel Oladeji struck from outside the box to reduce the deficit. Oladeji nearly scored again eight minutes later, only for George to deny him with a superb save.
Rangers responded in the 71st minute. Igboke crossed from the left, Chinedu Onah controlled the ball, and substitute Igwilo Chimobi curled home calmly to restore the two-goal lead. Six minutes later, Rangers sealed the win with a swift counter-attack. Mgbemena led the break and squared to Igwilo, who raced clear to score his second goal of the match.
Warri Wolves grabbed a late consolation when substitute Seth Mayi converted a penalty to make it 4-2, but it was too late to change the result.
With the win, Rangers International move into third place on the NPFL table with 36 points, while Warri Wolves drop to 10th with 30 points.
Rangers will next travel to Jos to face Plateau United, while Warri Wolves return home to host Remo Stars.
